After the assembly, he addressed the students who are part of the Environment Council in a small workshop. The girls had the opportunity to learn more about the ongoing issues plastic can create for our future and how to step up to alleviate some of these pressures.  To conclude, the girls worked together in a trivia activity, a pledge sheet and Q & A session – the girls were very enthusiastic and provided some thought-provoking ideas for future initiatives. Some of the solutions Mr Hill suggested that we can all work on are outlined below and the Environment Council will move forward with some of these initiatives:

• REFUSE - REUSE - REDUCE - RECYCLE
• Using metal, ceramic and glass bottles is best (BPA free that is ok as it can be reused)
• Re-usable coffee cups are a must as most ‘coffee cups’ have plastic in their lining
• Reusable metal straws are great
• Stay away from products with microbeads in the ingredients – this is an exfoliating agent but is made of plastic and has harmful toxins
• If we do use plastic, we should repurpose it through art or in the garden such as hanging plants or as bird feeders hanging from the trees
• Weekly clean ups in the waterways and drains are important
• Recycling at home and school is an excellent step in the right direction
• The use of ‘Redcycle’ recycling soft plastic for furniture is fantastic
• We should cut up the loops of plastic lids at home so animals are not ingesting or entangled by these loops
• Re-usable shopping bags are a must and Boomerangbags.org is a great initiative to look into
• Pick up your own and other waste and plastic wherever you go, you are not a ‘tourist’ you must care and be a steward in all areas - if you see it, don’t just leave it
• Turn away from disposable products and look to reusable
• Using the cash for cans machines is also a great start for education and awareness
• Being aware of turning off lights and air conditioning is important also

Maria Boulatsakos - Teacher